Northumberland County has released the numbers from their second homelessness count.
Teams fanned out across Northumberland back in April, meeting with 51 individuals and 10 families to complete surveys about their housing history, health and current risk levels and need.
Findings of the surveys showed that 71% of homeless were between the ages of 25 and 59 and 63% of adults were homeless because of some form of abuse or trauma.
The data collected helps to define the scope of homelessness in the County.
This data—as well as the County’s 10-Year Housing and Homelessness Plan, the pending Affordable Housing Strategy and other reports—will help the County to effectively plan services and programs that support housing access and stability for Northumberland residents, as well as measure progress over time towards reducing the incidence of homelessness, locally.
Findings captured in the report ‘The 2018 State of Homelessness in Northumberland County’ include:
- 18% of survey respondents were between 16-25 years, 71% were between 25-59 years, and 10% were 60+ years.
- 63% of adults and 80% of families reported that they were experiencing homelessness because of an experience of emotional, physical, psychological, sexual or other type of abuse or trauma.
- 64% of youth reported that they were experiencing homelessness because of an unhealthy or abusive relationship either at home or elsewhere.
- 66% had to leave an apartment or other housing due to their physical health, while 23% have lost their housing because of a mental health concern.
- 60% of all survey respondents were assessed as high acuity (intensive supports required).
To view the full report, as well as other information about housing and homelessness plans for Northumberland, visit www.northumberlandcounty.ca/2018RegistryWeek.